Apple's new AirPods 5 launch, but reviewers say skip the cheaper model
Apple has quietly released the new AirPods 5 lineup, but reviewers argue the $20 price gap between the base model and the wireless-charging version is too small to justify choosing the cheaper option.
Apple has introduced its new AirPods 5 earbuds without much fanfare, expanding its lineup of entry-level wireless earbuds. While the updates are considered modest overall, the standout change is pricing: the version with a wireless charging case now costs $149, down from the $179 price of the previous AirPods 4 equivalent.
This pricier model brings several convenience upgrades over the prior generation, including swipe gesture controls on the stems for volume adjustment and support for Live Translation, a real-time translation feature.
A price gap too small to matter
Apple continues to sell a cheaper "regular" AirPods 5 model for just $20 less. That base version still includes active noise cancellation (ANC), Live Translation, and the same improved water resistance rating (IP57) as the pricier model. Reviewers argue the two models are no longer different enough to justify the cheaper option's existence, especially since the older AirPods 4 has already been removed from Apple's website.
The cheaper model lacks several practical features found on the pricier version: no swipe gesture volume controls, slightly less battery life, and no wireless charging support for the case via MagSafe or an Apple Watch charger. It also lacks a built-in speaker that could assist in locating lost earbuds through Find My.
Critics suggest Apple should rethink its pricing structure going forward, proposing a base non-ANC model priced at $99 to create clearer distinctions across its earbud lineup alongside the AirPods Pro 3. A new AirPods Pro model with camera functionality is also rumored to arrive early next year.
